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An on-demand economy fueled by the sale of smartphones is changing literally every segment of our society. Traditional taxi and livery services are losing out to ride sharing companies while weary travelers can use their smartphones to do everything from ordering a meal to finding last-minute accommodations. Even doctors and nurses have embraced the on-demand economy by using mobile platforms to arrange house calls. So it should come as no surprise that, an on-demand economy is also reshaping the trucking industry. A great case in point being Amazon.

The Internet retailing giant recently began purchasing a fleet of branded trucks and trailers many believe will be just the starting point of a foray into logistics. For the time being, it appears as though the company is looking only to control its shipping rather than having to rely on companies like UPS and FedEx. But who knows? If Amazon is successfully able to handle their shipping and save money at the same time, they just might end up expanding into freight forwarding. But don’t worry, that would not be a bad thing.

As the Wall Street Journal points out, there is still more than enough freight to go around – even with the entrance of Amazon into logistics. Some of the biggest names in trucking are already working at maximum capacity with still more freight to be accounted for. And like it or not, the on-demand economy is playing an important role in what we are observing.

Speed and the Logistics Sector

Just a decade ago, a veteran truck driver might pick up a flatbed trailer in California and drive its load of steel coil down to Texas. From there he might pick up a dry goods van loaded with imported consumer goods headed for Chicago. That truck driver would spend months at a time on the road without ever seeing home.

While the scenario we just described is still fairly common among long-haul truckers, the model is gradually being replaced by a new model focused more on regional, rather than national, distribution. Shippers and receivers are more content to operate a larger number of smaller distribution facilities in and around major metropolitan hubs in order to get goods from the warehouse to the customer more quickly. This is what Amazon is attempting to accomplish with its trucks and trailers.

In order to meet the needs of the on-demand economy, companies have to have an ample supply of goods on hand. They also have to be close enough to their customers to get those goods delivered in a timely manner. The only way this is possible is by embracing more regional and local distribution.

Truckers Will Keep on Trucking

There are those in the logistics industry who do not see the on-demand economy’s influence as being a good thing. But it actually is. Despite the changes – and we know that change is difficult to embrace – America’s truckers will keep on trucking for decades to come. The big difference will be one of time and distance.

The Wall Street Journal also points out that logistics companies are already looking at charging by the day rather than the mile to account for the needs of the on-demand economy. They are looking at quicker deliveries and shorter routes that have truck drivers home more frequently. It is all about finding the model that works best at keeping wholesale distributors happy so that they, in turn, can keep their customers happy. In the end, there is no need to fear Amazon trucks. They are a positive addition to the logistics industry.

Truck accidents are on the rise and there’s no possibility the numbers will go south! Each year there are 500,000 instances of truck accidents involving over 5,000 deaths which rarely include truck drivers. The victims are individuals in cars or other passenger vehicles. So, what causes these fatal truck collisions? Well, let’s find out….

Driver Fatigue

It’s a bad idea to drive when one is feeling tired or sleepy. Fatigue is one of the number one causes of truck accidents as employers, often; make their drivers over-work to earn more money. Ideally, a truck driver has to keep a log-book containing details of on-duty driving time, on-duty non-driving time and off-duty time. There are regulations governing the driving hours of truck drivers and one should never exceed that.

Drugs & Alcohol

Drinking too much or taking drugs while driving can land you in a sea of troubles. In past, it has been found that 26% of the truck accidents can be attributed to the consumption of illicit drugs. These affect the reaction time of drivers leading to dangerous accidents. Truck drivers need to take a substance abuse screening test before they are hired. When involved in an accident, if you are found to be drunk or have taken drugs, it could mean serious liabilities for you & your employer. Never drink and drive!

Overloading a truck

Every truck has its own weighing capacity and if you exceed the limit, there are good chances of you getting into an accident and injuring someone else. Another reason why truck accidents happen all over the US is – unsecured cargo. The best way to solve this problem is to buy high quality and UV resistant truck straps from a reliable online supplier. It will not only protect your load, but also keep it from falling and causing accidents.

Not following the rules

Exceeding the speed limit on highways and driving recklessly often results in severe road accidents. Large-sized trucks carrying heavy cargo are especially dangerous when driven carelessly. By the time you apply brakes; the truck goes out of control and causes fatal accidents.

Improper truck maintenance

Not maintaining your truck on a regular basis also causes accidents. Companies tend to cut down on inspection and maintenance costs in order to increase profits. However, this often leads to serious accidents involving fatal injuries and even driver-deaths. If there’s a mechanical problem in your truck, get it inspected and repaired thoroughly to ensure a smooth journey.

Weather & road conditions

Another reason for truck accidents is bad weather. Storms, tornadoes and heavy rain make conditions worse for truck drivers. Improper road conditions due to such weather make it even more difficult for drivers to keep control of their vehicle especially large ones.

While we have no control over some causes for these truck accidents, we certainly can avoid alcohol & drugs and drive responsibly. Follow the rules of the road to save your and others lives.

It’s that time of the year again, not only springtime, but also the largest heavy duty trucking show – the Mid America Truck Show (MATS)! This is the equivalent to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI.Celebrating 42 years, the Mid America Truck Show is held annually at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY, March 21-23. Over 4,000 exhibitors and vendors, like Mytee Products will be showcasing their latest products and services, hosting giveaways and contests throughout the annual event.

Mytee Products, a premiere seller and distributor of heavy duty truck tarps, and cargo control products for extra large loads, will be exhibiting these products and offering special MATS deals too. Come see us at Booth #60017 and ask about our truck show specials like the Kinedyne Winch 4 inch by 30 feet straps, buy a box of 10 for only $9.99 each. Like our Facebook page to receive our post-show special, ⅜ inch chain for only $35.99!

The heavy duty trucking show not only attracts truck drivers, but manufacturers of truck parts, accessories and big rigs in addition to trucking professionals throughout the world. Attendees get to see the latest products and services in addition to attend seminars and a free concert on Friday as well as enter to win free products. From tires to truck tarps, brakes to air dryers, safety inspections and meeting celebrities, you can find everything related to heavy duty trucks and big rigs all in one trade show!

The Mid America Truck Show hours are Thursday, March 21 1-6pm, Friday, March 22 10am – 6pm and Saturday, March 23 9am – 4pm. Visit the MATS website to view all the events, celebrity appearances, exhibitors, vendors and seminars!